Question

In the excerpt, Machiavelli argues that

being loved is more important.

being loved and being feared are equally important.

being feared is more important.

being loved and feared are unimportant

Answer 1

Machiavelli's perspective in ‘The Prince’ is that being feared is more important for a ruler to maintain control, as opposed to being loved, though he cautions against being hated. A common misunderstanding is to conflate his views with those of Thomas Hobbes who discusses the nature of government in 'Leviathan'.

Step-by-step explanation:

In addressing whether being loved is more important than being feared, it is often referenced that Niccolò Machiavelli in ‘The Prince’ actually argued that being feared is more useful for a ruler than being loved to maintain control over a principality. However, he does caution that a ruler should avoid being hated. The question seems to mistake Machiavelli for Thomas Hobbes, who in his book ‘Leviathan’ explores the nature of social contracts and the need for a strong central authority to prevent societal collapse.

Examples in literature, as indicated in the excerpt provided, often use common themes, such as unrequited love, to delve into deeper issues like relationships, self-identity, and societal norms. Similarly, discussions around government power, like those of Hobbes and Machiavelli, go beyond the surface to explore the nature of power, authority, and the human condition.

Therefore, to answer the question directly, based on Machiavelli's viewpoint, being feared is more important than being loved for a prince, as long as he avoids being despised by the people.

Answer 2

Option three is most accurate.

Machiavelli argues that it is important for a leader to both be loved and feared, but if needed to choose between the two, one should choose to be feared.